Early Mahongwe Kota reliquary figure. especially their skull were later

especially their skull were later exhumed and placed with magical objects in a bark box or a basket called a Bwete

These relics

A fine example of emerald crystals set within a matrix

necklaces and bracelets

I am not sure of the exact translation of the label on the base but it seems to say something along the lines of "Simplified

Early Mahongwe Kota reliquary figure. especially their skull were laterStunning early Mahongwe Kota reliquary figure. This figure came from the collection of a deceased collector in Antwerp. It was originally acquired in Gabon around 1940. It stands 50cm high. The top of the figure is banded with copper strips as is the neck. The copper shows great patination and colour gained over many years of use and handling. There also appear to be the remains of what looks like white kaolin type paint which may originally have been